Politics · South Korea · 1 hr ago
South Korea to hold annual Hoguk military exercise from Oct. 19 to 30
South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff says the annual Hoguk field exercise runs from Oct.
19 to 30.
The exercise is led by South Korea and is designed to strengthen the country's ability to defend itself.
Forces will train across land, sea and air, integrating different military services.
The drills will include opposing forces and two-sided field exercises to make training more realistic.
Some US forces will also take part, at a level similar to previous years.
Two postponed joint field drills will run alongside Hoguk; they were not held after the US-South Korea Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise ended early in August.
The remaining five postponed drills are due to be completed by the end of the year, and officials warn that troop and equipment movements may cause traffic delays and noise.
South Korea will hold its annual Hoguk military exercise from Oct. 19 to 30, the Joint Chiefs of Staff said.
The large-scale field exercise is held in the second half of each year to strengthen South Korea-led defense capabilities.
The drills will integrate joint forces across land, sea and air, including opposing-force and two-sided training.
Two combined field exercises postponed after the U.S.-South Korea Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise ended early will run alongside Hoguk.
Some U.S. Forces Korea units will take part, at a level similar to previous years.
- Who
- South Korea’s military, with some participation by U.S. Forces Korea units.
- What
- The annual Hoguk field exercise, alongside two combined field exercises postponed after Ulchi Freedom Shield ended early.
- When
- Oct. 19 to 30, 2026.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- To strengthen South Korea-led defense capabilities and improve joint operations and readiness to respond to threats.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff announced the dates and plans for the Hoguk exercise.
South Korea is scheduled to conduct the Hoguk exercise.
- Exercise dates
- Oct. 19–30, 2026
- Announcement date
- Oct. 15, 2026
- Combined field exercises
- 2 of the 7 postponed exercises will run alongside Hoguk
- Other postponed exercises
- The remaining 5 are planned for completion within 2026
- U.S. participation
- Some U.S. Forces Korea units will take part
2 sources
What people are saying
integrate joint forces across multiple domains of land, sea and air to strengthen joint operations and realism
establish a firm readiness posture to respond immediately to any threat